The ProForm Performance 600i Treadmill Review – Powerful, Quiet Budget Model

Convenience and upgraded features make the ProForm Performance 600i treadmill a very attractive choice for walkers on a budget.

A step up from the base 400i with a stronger motor, more incline capability and larger running surface, this is a solid, affordable choice in the entry level category.

Performance 600i - The Machine

On the new LED Watts display, you see your performance level expressed as one of three zones: Endurance, Tempo and Peak. The 22 pre-set workouts include 4 speed, 4 endurance, 4 weight loss intervals, and 4 calorie-burn accelerator workouts.

The ProForm Performance 600i treadmill console also has a Workout Intensity Control feature so you can adjust the intensity level of each workout to your preferred pace.

Here are the relevant specs...

• 2.75 CHP Mach Z™ Commercial Motor
• 0-12 mph QuickSpeed®
• 0-12% QuickIncline®
• 20" x 60" Tread Belt
• ProShox Cushioning
• 22 Workouts
• iFit® Coach Ready
• Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0 Sound System
• Dual-Grip EKG™ Heart Rate Monitor
• CoolAire™ Workout Fan
• 325 lbs User Weight Capacity
• SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
• Warranty: Lifetime frame & motor, 2 yrs parts, 1-yr labor

The Buzz

With a 2.75 CHP motor and 12 mph speed, the ProForm Performance 600i treadmill is one of the more powerful machines available at this price level, and a step up from the 400i model.

It also features a 12% power incline, 20" x 60" walking area, an improvement over the previous model and advanced ProShox™ Cushioning for shock absorption to relieve stress on the joints.

There's a convenient SpaceSaver® fold-up design with hydraulic lift assist, a cooling fan, and heart rate grip monitors on the handlebars.

The console programming allows the user to access the internet via Wi-Fi with iFit Coach technology, which is one of the most appealing features.

iFit gives you special workouts designed by Jillian Michaels and other Certified Personal Trainers, plus workouts powered by Google Maps™, which allows you to walk down trails and city streets from Paris to Boston to your own neighborhood, and the machine automatically adjusts the incline for you.

The Performance 600i treadmill is solid and is a great entry level model for your home.  It's definitely worth considering.

How Does the 600i Compare to the Other ProForm Treadmills?

There are currently three series when it comes to ProForm treadmills...Performance, Power and Pro.

The 600i is the up-level model in the Performance Series, the most affordable treadmills the company offers and a good choice for those on a budget.

The entry level 400i gives you a 2.5 CHP motor, up to 10 mph speed, 10% incline, a 20" x 55" deck and 18 built in workouts, with a 300 lb. max user weight capacity.

The step-up 600i, as you've read about above, gives you more of everything, including a 2.75 CHP motor, up to 12 mph speed, 12% incline, a 20" x 60" deck and 22 built in workouts, with a 325 lb. max user weight capacity.

Moving up to the Power Series, you have the Power 995i and the Power 1295i, with 3.0-3.5 CHP motors, 15% incline, 30-34 built in workout programs and 325-350 lb. max user weights.

These treadmills also come with stronger warranties than the ProForm 400i and 600i models.

At the top of the ladder is the Pro Series, with the Pro 2000, Pro 5000 and Pro 9000.  

These machines are much more durable than the rest, with 3.5-4.0 CHP motors, 15% incline/3% decline and 32-40 built in workout programs, as well as touch screen displays rather than the basic consoles on the Performance and Power Series treadmills.

Which one should you choose?

If you're looking for a basic treadmills for light use by one or two individuals, then the Performance 400i or 600i is a good choice.  We would go with the 600i for an additional couple of hundred as it gives you more of everything.

Our favorite in the entire ProForm treadmill lineup is the Pro 5000, which is the middle of the Pro Series.  It is a little pricier than the lower end models, but at under $1,500 it's one of the best home treadmills on the market.

If the Pro Series is a little out of your budget but you want something a bit above an entry level machine, then compromise with one of the Power Series treadmills.

Here the Power 1295i is the better choice, a bit more durable and feature-packed, with a nice 7" touch screen display.

ProForm 600i Review - Bottom Line

From what we have seen thus far, the ProForm Performance 600i gets above average scores.

It is powerful and quiet, offers a roomy treadmill deck for walking, and features an incline elevation motor and other advanced features that are normally seen on more expensive models.

iFit Coach is an exciting option to have on such an affordable model.

Overall, this is a decent machine if you can get it for around $799 with free shipping.

If you're looking for something a little more advanced, take a look at the up-level Power Series, and if you want the most club quality treadmills ProForm offers, look at the Pro Series as well.

Whatever model you end up choosing, you can't go wrong with a ProForm treadmill...the features, capabilities and value are all there.